The Moscow Open (Feb.2-10) ended with highs and lows for the American delegation. GM Gregory Kaidanov and IMs David Pruess and Josh Friedel won their last round games but IM Irina Krush lost on board two in the Women's Open.

Josh Friedel won his most spectacular game of the event in the last round against FM Moiseev. This could be a confidence boost just in time for the Aeroflot Open (Feb 13-23, Moscow) , where we can expect another dispatch from Josh . Before presenting the full game, test yourself to see if you can find the right moves in the following positions from Friedel's game:
I.

GM Artyom Timofeev's last-round, marathon victory against GM Ernesto Inarkiev secured him clear first with 7.5/9. The final position should be an inspiration to refresh your bishop vs. rook theory, which is not always a draw.

Anna Muzychuk accepts first place honors. Photo Gerald Morton

17-year-old Anna Muzychuk won the women's open with the same score 7.5/9. The Slovenian teenager caught the eye of GM Susan Polgar when she drew against her in the 2004 Olympiad. At the time, Polgar reserved the highest praise for Anna: "She reminds me of Judit." Here is Muzychuk's fifth round victory: